Out with Pardew, In with Shearer

Pardew Resigns, Shearer Returns
BBC News reports that Alan Pardew has resigned as Newcastle United manager after four years in charge following a poor season which saw his team secure top-flight status in the latter stages of the campaign. Following discussions with the Newcastle United board and a sustained campaign against his premiership at the helm of the club, Pardew has paved the way for Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle great, to return to manage a club he failed to save from relegation several years ago.

Alan Shearer, speaking to reporters from outside St James' Park, stated that he was "looking forward to the season" and told journalists that he was "abandoning the defensive philosophy of the last four years". In a statement issued by the Newcastle United board, the club stated that "Alan Shearer was an obvious candidate following Alan Pardew's resignation and, while we are entirely grateful to him for securing our top-flight status, believe that a club of Newcastle's stature needs a manager willing to commit to the attacking philosophies and ethos of challenging for top six positions".

Shearer has already reportedly lined up multiple targets for the Newcastle United board to sign. Following questioning from Sky Sports News, Shearer stated that his priority was "the defensive partnership at the back" and was given backing by the Newcastle board who said that they are "fully prepared to back their decision to appoint Shearer as manager with the funds required to build a top tier team".

Newcastle United begin their preparations for the next season having already secured a multitude of players during the summer including French star, Remy Cabella, and Dutch playmaker, Siem de Jong, both of whom were long-term targets of Alan Pardew. Shearer told transfermarkt.com that Cabella and Siem de Jong were the "type of signings Newcastle should have made when Alan came in" and stated that Newcastle "haven't pushed on since that top five finish".

Pre-Season Round-up
Alan Shearer had a mixed bag of results in the pre-season fixtures as he sought to rebuild his squad while attempting to instil confidence and attacking play in his team. Speaking after the team's final pre-season friendly against Chievo, Alan Shearer told goal.com that he was "pleased with the attacking football on display" and spoke of his "confidence in the results".

Shearer and his Newcastle squad faced a multitude of teams in their pre-season preparations that began with an away victory against Czech Second Division side Hradec Kralove beating them 0-2. Following that game was a home defeat against German Goliath, Borussia Dortmund in which Siem de Jong scored his first goal of the club but faced a 1-2 defeat following goals from Mkhitaryan and Bender.

Five victories in the final five pre-season games demonstrated Shearer's ability to get the best out of his team. Shearer said of his side, "they've very quickly adapted to this change in the management and the team looks refreshed". Asked about his chances against Arsenal in their first game of the Barclays Premier League, Alan told BBC News that he was "quietly confident" but added that "Newcastle certainly aren't the favourites".

Como 0 - 2 Newcastle United

Cremonese 0 - 8 Newcastle United

Sorrento 1 - 4 Newcastle United

Chievo 3 - 4 Newcastle United

Transfer Round-Up

Alan Shearer met with nufc.tv to discuss how he felt Newcastle's incoming and outgoing signings would impact the club with an exclusive interview.

"What would you make of Newcastle's decisions before your appointment to loan both Hatem Ben Arfa and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to top clubs without a recall clause?"

"The board, primarily led by Lee Charnley, made decisions that I might not have agreed with, were I at the club at the time. The problems faced by both Alan Pardew and Hatem Ben Arfa are well-publicised and I don't think it's worth regurgitating. Both of them have a future at Newcastle United in my eyes. Hatem has a year left on his contract. He will be returning to Newcastle with an extended contract. Mapou, I think he's a great defender, young, a future captain. I want him back and see him as the key replacement for Coloccini."

"You've signed both Adam Matthews from Celtic and Antonio Rudiger from Stuttgart for a combined fee of £5.8 million. You've looked to strengthen that defensive line-up. Do you see them both making an impact?"

"I wouldn't have signed them had I not thought they'd be great additions to the Newcastle United squad. Adam Matthews is an established Wales international and is a contender to Janmaat's right-back position and Rudiger will be partnering Coloccini in the central defence. Both are young, keen to progress and believe in the Newcastle United philosophy."

"Your most controversial decisions in the transfer market were the sale of Papiss Demba Cisse to cash-laden Southampton for £11.5 million and Yoan Gouffran to AS Monaco for £3.5 million. They were both stalwarts of Pardew's final season in charge. What was your thinking?"

"My thinking was simple: we had big offers for players that I could see as replaceable or already had players in their positions. The competition for the striker position is already heavy and Cisse hasn't pushed on since a fantastic first season. Gouffran wanted to return to France where his style of play was most suited. AS Monaco gave him that opportunity."

"You brought in Dele Alli for £2 million and Harry Kane for £7 million, both promising young English players. How do you see them fitting into your plans?"

"Both Harry and Dele are big prospects and have a bright future in English football if they work hard, keep their heads down and play football. Forget about big cash offers, high wages, all that nonsense. I expect my players to perform, whether they're hot prospects or key players. Dele has gone on loan to Motherwell to get first team football and Harry Kane already has Premier League experience and he'll slot in nicely to the squad."

"One big signing on deadline day was that of Valentin Stocker, a player you looked to bring in earlier in the transfer window but initially failed. Is it a signing you're concerned about?"

"Not at all. Valentin is a fantastic left-sided winger and will give us pace and strength on that side, competing with Cabella and providing some competition. He's already looked good in training and will be a big signing for us. £8 million is a lot to spend on an unproven player in the Premier League but I'll throw him in the deep end and think he'll come out of it a better player."

"One final question. You've sent a lot of players on loan including Adam Campbell, Massadio Haidara, Paul Dummett and Curtis Good. What are you hoping to see from the loans?"

"I want them to challenge for a starting position at their loan sides. For the time they are there, they play for that team. Give it your all, play your heart out in every match and come back to Newcastle a better player. Give me a reason to consider you. We've got Karl Darlow, Jamaal Lascelles, Adam Campbell, a vast array of young players with the potential to go on and achieve success. Do it right and they'll win favours with me. Do it wrong and you'll be out the door."

Bruce "Furious" With Ben Arfa Antics

Goal.com is reporting that Steve Bruce is furious with Newcastle United's contract negotiations with Hatem Ben Arfa while he is on loan with Hull City. Bruce, who signed the Newcastle United winger in the summer transfer window on loan, was hoping to make Ben Arfa a permanent signing when his contract came to an end next year but has acknowledged that he will lose the mercurial winger to Newcastle United after the winger agreed a new contract worth £56,000 a year.

Hull City issued a statement stating that "we wish Hatem Ben Arfa all the best in his extended career with Newcastle United" and explained that "Ben Arfa is as committed as ever to Hull City during his time here and has already made an impact on a squad seeking to cement its top flight position".

The statement seems to contradict insider sources who claim that Bruce believes that Newcastle have reneged on a gentleman's agreement that the winger would be leaving the club as his contract expires. Speaking exclusively to goal.com, an insider said that "Steve isn't exactly happy with it. He has all the time in the world for Newcastle, he's a Geordie through and through but Alan Shearer has just damaged his and Newcastle's reputation in the footballing world".

Speaking through Newcastle United's press executives, Alan Shearer and the board issued a statement declaring that "fan favourite Hatem Ben Arfa would be returning to St James' Park next season to wow the fans and return to their hearts as a player who tantalises and delights with his mercurial skills".

Hatem Ben Arfa and his agent refused to comment on the contractual situation.

Shearer Sets Off: August Round-Up

Newcastle United began the season proper in the Barclays Premier League with an opening day fixture at St James' Park against Arsenal, a team with whom Newcastle United have had considerable history including a 4 - 4 draw which lives long in the memory of footballing fans. Speaking of that day, Shearer told BBC News that it was "the kind of football Newcastle should be playing - fight, passion, commitment and a flurry of goals".

Newcastle came out victorious in their opening day fixture against Arsenal with a 2 - 1 victory. Captain Fabricio Coloccini made his presence known scoring a good header with new signing, Valentin Stocker, bagging himself a goal on his debut before Cheick Tiote suffered the shame of scoring an own goal to bring the scoreline to a respectable finish for an Arsenal side who looked poor on the day.

In their second game of the August month, Newcastle United travelled to London to face West Ham United and former Newcastle United player, Andy Carroll. Nufc.tv recorded an exclusive interview with Shearer before the game and talked about how he wanted to play the game. Newcastle should be "looking to pass the ball to feet, playing a possession game". He told the players that he didn't want them to "revert to the long ball game". Luckily for his side, goals from both Valentin Stocker, his second in as many games, and fellow signing Ayoze Perez managed to secure a second win for Shearer's side.

The final game of the August month came in the Capital One Cup and Shearer fielded a strong side that had few changes, showing Shearer's commitment to progressing in the cup. Shearer told FourFourTwo magazine that he "felt like past seasons have simply given up at their first hurdle in cup runs". With Shearer's side beginning in the second round against Notts County, it was an excellent opportunity to progress and Newcastle managed that with a clean sheet and two goals to boot.

Fixtures and Results

Newcastle United 2 - 1 Arsenal (Barclays Premier League)

Fabricio Coloccini 40' Valentin Stocker 45+3' Cheick Tiote 71'

Valentin Stocker

West Ham United 0 - 2 Newcastle United (Barclays Premier League)

Ayoze Perez 28' Adam Matthews 29' Valentin Stocker 69'

Valentin Stocker

Newcastle United 2 - 0 Notts County (Capital One Cup Second Round)

Stuttering Start in September: Round-Up

Newcastle United faced a stumble in their Premier League campaign during the September month facing the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. In a four-game month in the Premier League, Newcastle picked up eight points from four games and battled in the Capital One Cup third round.

Transfrmarket.com reported that Shearer was looking to "strengthen" his side with further additions after multiple signings, including Jesse Lingard and Carlos Zambrano, both failed to materialise during the summer transfer window. Alan Shearer spoke to reporters before the opening game in September and told BBC News that "Newcastle United still have areas we need to fill and players we need to replace" and admitted that his side weren't at "full strength yet".

Shearer backed up that statement with the announcement of Salvator Agra from Real Betis for £3.2 million. Shearer announced to the media that "Agra will be a strong signing for us when he joins us in January". Two weeks later, Shearer resumed negotiations with Frankfurt for Peruvian international, Carlos Zambrano, agreed a fee of £2.8 million. Zambrano has agreed to stay at Frankfurt until the end of the German season and will join his Newcastle compatriots on the 1st July.

When asked by FourFourTwo magazine whether Newcastle were done in the transfer market, Shearer coyly replied he was "done for the moment" but added that "there's another window to add in" yet.

Transfer News

Newcastle United sign Salvator Agra from Real Betis for £3.5 million and will join on the 1st January

Newcastle United sign Carlos Zambrano from Frankfurt for £2.8 million and will join on the 1st July

Unbeaten in Eight Games: October Round-Up

Alan Shearer's Newcastle United kept up their scintillating form in the Barclays Premier League by ending their third month of the season proper with an unbeaten run of eight games in all competitions. With an exciting game against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup Fourth Round and three Premier League games against Southampton, Hull and Crystal Palace, Shearer has brought early success to his side and has already won favour with the Newcastle United board.

Speaking to the media before the opening game against Southampton in the Barclays Premier League, Alan Shearer confessed that his success so far was down to "the hard work every single player puts in to keep their place". Asked by Goal.com about how he looked to keep fringe players happy, Shearer was a sage in telling the media that "no player is a fringe player, every single one of them is important to me. They know they can come to me". Shearer's pre-match media talk seems to bring about the desired result as Newcastle United walked away from St James' Park as victors against Southampton.

With victories against both Hull and Crystal Palace securing their place in the Barclays Premier League in the top four, Newcastle United faced their toughest challenge yet in the Capital One Cup as Manchester United looked to secure their first trophy by progressing against Shearer's Magpies. Alan Shearer, however, had other ideas when he spoke with nufc.tv and told the fans that "he was out to win cups".

In a game that ended in extra-time as an eight goal thriller, Newcastle United were victorious with a 5 - 3 victory as Ayoze Perez bagged a brace and saw Siem de Jong, Moussa Sissoko and Harry Kane all join him on the scoresheet. Shearer was delighted with the match and told FourFourTwo that "this was a real cup game, goals, poor defending and a victory for the home team" and talked of the "confidence in the team".

Ben Arfa: "Newcastle Are Stepping Stone"

Ben Arfa has reportedly described Newcastle United as a "stepping stone onto greater things" in an exclusive interview with French newspaper, L'Equipe. After signing an extended contract while on loan at Hull City, it was hoped that relations between Hatem Ben Arfa and the club had improved, even at the expense of significant criticism from Steve Bruce. Instead, it is believed that Ben Arfa considers his contract to be a platform to display his skills to other teams.

In the interview, Hatem Ben Arfa is asked what his future career goals are and told the newspaper that "Newcastle have given me an opportunity to display my skills in one of the best leagues in the world" but added he "owed it to himself to play for one of the big teams" and described himself as "good enough to play in the Champions League".

It is not known what this interview means for relations between the newly-contracted player and his club but Newcastle United may be privately furious at the interview and might be looking at the player's attitude. Whether this verifies some of Pardew's initial criticism of Ben Arfa's professionalism and mentality, it is unknown but it certainly indicates that the player is more interested in himself than he is in the team he plays for.

Read the exclusive interview at L'Equipe and feel free to provide your own thoughts and comments. We'll post the best in our follow-up story tomorrow.

November Round-Up: Newcastle on Course

Newcastle United continued a strong run in the Barclays Premier League with three positive results in three games as they sought to cement their position in the top half of the league. With rumours abound surrounding Hatem Ben Arfa's future at the club, Shearer's pre-match media appeareance before the first game of November against Burnley was frosty at best. Asked about the comments made by Ben Arfa earlier in the week, Shearer flat out refused to make any comment and walked away from the media when he was pressed on the issue.

Shearer's troubles with his on-loan player weren't exactly the only problem he faced at the club when both Siem de Jong and Ayoze Perez were injured in the first game. This left Shearer with a much-changed side for the next game against Tottenham Hotspur but managed a credible draw. After the match, Shearer told the media that de Jong could be "out for a long time with this one" and added that "there's no fixed date for his return yet".

At the end of the month, the Tyne-Wear derby rolled into St James Park and it seemed as though Shearer was playing mind games with his Sunderland counterpart when Siem de Jong was listed in the starting line-up, only to be punished when he was taken off injured in the 26th minute. A draw against their main rivals wasn't good enough by Shearer's standards and he was critical of Newcastle's performance. In an interview with Sky Sports, Shearer explained that "for some of these players, this is their first derby and they fell short of expectations" but spoke of the "positives on show".

Disclaimer

This site is not endorsed by Sports Interactive or SEGA and is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed on this site are the views of the individual contributors and not those of Sports Interactive or SEGA. The official Football Manager site can be found at footballmanager.com and the official forums can be found at community.sigames.com.

Sports Interactive, the Sports Interactive logo, in-game generated images and any other Football Manager related items are registered trademarks and/or copyright material owned by Sports Interactive, or their respective trademark and copyright holders.

SEGA and the SEGA logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA Corporation. Football Manager, Sports Interactive and the Sports Interactive logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sports Interactive Limited. All rights reserved.